Al Gustafson Receives National Plant Materials Award

NRCS Thief River Falls, Minnesota Area Resource Conservationist Al Gustafson was recently awarded the national Plant Materials Special Service Award for 2005 for his work as a non-plant materials person whose efforts have substantially advanced the plant materials program.  NRCS National Program Leader for Plant Materials Bob Escheman announced Gustafson as the winner of the award that was presented to him by Minnesota NRCS Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations Glen Kajewski and Plant Materials Program specialist Dwight Tober.

A consistent promoter of the Plant Materials Program throughout his career, Al has provided plant materials assistance to the Bismarck Plant Materials Center (PMC), Minnesota NRCS State Office, Minnesota NRCS Area 1 staff, numerous landowners, and others.

An innovative conservationist, Al is always looking for improvements in the seeding standards and specifications that will result in a better product for the field. He works closely with two of the largest native seed growers in the State who are both located in Area 1.  He insures that new area employees are aware of the services provided by the Bismarck PMC and the Plant Materials Program overall. He organizes annual plant materials tours and assists in PMC plant/seed collections and technology development.

Al has contributed field experience information to the PMC data base in connection with species inundation and plant performance on wet and saline sites.  He has participated in the Native Plant Summits co-sponsored by the Bismarck PMC, and promoted the attendance of others from Minnesota. Al continually challenges plant materials staff and others through his strong interest in the Plant Materials Program.
Your contact is Al Gustafson, at 218-681-6600.